Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to present artist Mark B. Retacco’s exhibit, “Stronger Together,” throughout the month of August.

The display, in the Second Floor Gallery, is the latest in a series of exhibits that the Bayville-based artist has undertaken at OCL branches including Berkeley and Lacey. His next exhibit will take place in September at the OCL Barnegat Branch. A video profile of Mark can be seen on the Library’s YouTube channel.

“My paint brush takes me on a journey of happiness, despair, and self-discovery,” Retacco said. “At times, I just glide along, losing my fears, without boundaries or inhibitions! It is my sanity and independence from this world. My superpower is my uniqueness. Your superpower is your uniqueness.”

Retacco’s extensive career includes work for 20th Century-Fox, Paramount Studios, and Turner Classic Movies. In 1995, he received recognition from President Bill Clinton for his painting Blind Venus Goes to the White House, which now resides in the Clinton Library and Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. Retacco’s work was featured on MTV’s Real World Boston House in 1997.

In 2011, Retacco presented writer, broadcaster and Asbury Park native Wendy Williams with his painting Wendy Williams Statue of Liberty. He anchored and hosted programs for the Ocean Happening online magazine, and taught art at Creighton School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

In 2013, Retacco received a proclamation from the Office of the Freeholder (now Commission) Director of Ocean County, extolling his “dynamic creativity” and “unmatched passion for advancing the arts community of Ocean County.” Two years later, he led a walking tour of historic downtown Toms River under the auspices of the Toms River Business Improvement District.

“Stronger Together” is free and open to the public, and can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, visit the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, or call (732) 349-6200.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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